Tummy tuck surgery is a popular plastic surgery procedure that people of all ages and sizes choose to undergo. The tummy tuck (or mini tummy tuck) procedure reduces the overall size and appearance of the abdominal area. This surgery appeals to patients of all ages and in varying stages of life — which means there are many different questions a candidate might have, based on their unique background. For younger women still in their reproductive years, many of these questions revolve around major life events, like the possibility of having a baby after tummy tuck surgery.
We often meet women who would like a tummy tuck procedure but are unsure how it will affect potential future pregnancies. Today, we will discuss what it’s like to have a baby after tummy tuck surgery and offer advice to future patients and mothers on their potential journey ahead.
So, Can I Get Pregnant and Have Children After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The short answer is: yes, you can. However, the longer answer is a bit more complex than that.
Although it is entirely possible to become pregnant after this surgery — tummy tucks won’t affect fertility at all — we do recommend that patients wait until they have finished bearing children before scheduling their procedure. However, if you are already pregnant, or considering having children after tummy tuck surgery, don’t worry. Having this procedure and then getting pregnant will not have any negative effects on your baby.
Although we advise waiting until after having children for a tummy tuck, this isn’t for any health or safety-related reasons — it’s simply to ensure that results are long-lasting and uncompromised.
What Happens if You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
Having a baby after tummy tuck surgery is pretty similar to having children in other circumstances. Although pregnancy and childbearing are different for everyone, having a tummy tuck should not make your pregnancy that different from the pregancy of somebody who has never had the procedure. That being said, patients need to inform their OBGYN of their medical history — and that includes plastic surgery. This is particularly important for tummy tuck patients having a baby, as it will affect potential birth plans. For instance, when tummy tuck patients have C-sections, their doctor will usually work with their existing surgical scars, as they would with a repeat cesarean. However, some tummy tuck scars are barely visible once healed. If an OBGYN is not aware of existing scars from a tummy tuck, they could create new, unnecessary incisions.
Potential patients, especially those planning a cesarean, should be aware that plastic surgeons are known for creating discreet incisions that leave little scarring. Even if an OBGYN goes over existing incisions, a C-section might leave more noticeable scarring on the tummy.
Having a Baby After a Tummy Tuck
Everybody is different. Although there are no health risks associated with having a baby after a tummy tuck, it’s always best for hopeful patients or mothers to speak with a GP about their own unique circumstances. We also recommend that patients speak thoroughly with their plastic surgeon about all of their tummy tuck options, and listen carefully to their advice and recommendations.
We’ve created a helpful guide to having a baby after tummy tuck surgery, which includes a list of frequently asked questions, and plenty of advice on timing surgery and pregnancy. Of course, if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What You Should Know About Getting a Tummy Tuck Before Having Kids
Although it is completely possible and safe to have a tummy tuck before having kids, there are a few key things to remember:
- It Will Likely Compromise Your Results
Even the best plastic surgeon cannot create indelible results. The tummy tuck procedure involves the surgical removal of skin and tissue, as well as the tightening of the abdominal wall, to create a flat stomach without loose skin. However, this doesn’t prevent weight gain, or keep the stomach from getting large again — and these are two things that happen during pregnancy. This is why most surgeons recommend that patients wait until they’ve finished having children to get this surgery.
- You Need to Tell Your OBGYN
As we outlined above, pregnant tummy tuck patients must tell their OBGYN about their medical history, especially if they are planning for a cesarean. This will allow their doctor to work with their pre-existing scars rather than create new ones.
- It’s Best to Wait Until You’re Healed
Although it’s safe for tummy tuck patients to conceive, it’s still best to wait until any plastic surgery scars have completely healed. In general, we advise patients to wait at least 4-6 months after surgery before trying to conceive a baby. However, if it’s possible to wait for longer, that’s even better.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today!
Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been performing tummy tucks and other forms of plastic surgery in the greater Houston area for over 20 years. For a discreet and informative conversation about your potential tummy tuck procedure, get in touch today for a free consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. We look forward to meeting you and helping you meet your goals!